System for automatically monitoring copiers from a remote location

ABSTRACT

A system for automatically, remotely monitoring the operational status of and initiating operational commands in one or more copy machines each having a copier computer therein for determining copier status and controlling operation of the copy machine comprising interface means in the copier to monitor status information of the remote location from the copier computer and receive and input operational commands from the remote location into the copy machine and communication means between the individual copiers and the remote location. The system utilizes a scanner to respectively monitor the copiers which can poll each of the copiers at a uniform rate or, when requested by the user at the central location, vary the poll rate of one or more of the copiers to poll the selected copier with increased regularity, slowing the polling rate of the other copiers, to provide a real-time monitoring of the selected copier. The system provides for the operation of the copier from the remote location to allow the user at the remote location to operate the copier, i.e. for the diagnosis and correction of a detected problem.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 07/450,605, filedDec. 13, 1989, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,084,875.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system for remotely monitoring thestatus of a plurality of copiers from a central location.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Several methods for reporting copy machine status are known in the art.The simplest is a series of indicators arranged remotely as a"scoreboard" to show the status of each copier in a limited fashion.This approach, however, is only able to indicate gross failures and isnot a practical monitoring system when there are a large number ofcopiers distributed over a large area or on multiple floors of abuilding.

A technique for remotely monitoring a number of copiers is the XEROXREMOTE INTERACTIVE COMMUNICATIONS (RIC) system which interfaces withseveral different XEROX copiers (such as the 1090) and relays statusinformation over telephone lines to a central service office. The RIChas been designed primarily to collect billing information. In addition,it also collects ongoing failure information that it locally analyzesfor failure trends, i.e., a sudden increase in jams in the fusersection. If a failure trend is recognized, the RIC will report itsfailure analysis to the service office. The RIC adapter consists of adedicated microprocessor controller that plugs into a special data portat the copier and an auto-dial modem for direct hookup to a telephoneline.

The RIC system has the disadvantage in that it is designed to interfacewith only a limited subset of XEROX copiers. To accommodate for thedifferent copier models of both like and different manufacturers, atranslator described in Ser. No. 07/450,605, filed Dec. 13, 1989, nowU.S. Pat. No. 5,084,875, which corresponds to the specific copierstructure, is used to provide uniform interface between the copier andthe central data collection point. The translator is a single devicethat is responsible for translating the incoming copier information intouniform signals to be read by the central data collection point as wellas communicating with the remotely located scanner/multiplexer to acceptand transfer information with the central data collection point.

There is the possibility that in this type of translator which is basedon a single microprocessor can be overloaded and degrade systemperformance. An object of the present invention is to overcome this byusing two separate microprocessor systems--one to translate the incomingcopier information and one to communicate with the central datacollection point. The main object of the present invention, however, isto provide a method of linking a plurality of copiers, through hardwareand software, in such a way so as to provide continuous, automaticmonitoring of copier status, in real time or quasi real time includingerror conditions, from a central location.

It is a further object of the present invention to monitor various typesof copiers, i.e., static and dynamic, with a single system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A system for automatically monitoring the operational status of one ormore copier machines from a remote location, each copier machine havinga copier control computer for determining copier status, comprisingmeans for monitoring status information from the copier controlcomputer, a translator associated with each copier including a means toadapt status information from the specific copier machine into uniformstatus information for transmission to the remote location and means fortransmitting information between the translator of each copier and theremote location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following drawings, in which like reference characters indicate likeparts, are illustrative of embodiments of the invention and are notintended to limit the scope of the invention in any manner asencompassed by the claims forming a part hereof.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of the system of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of a static copier interface andpassive data tap on the copier control data cable for use with thepresent system.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a dynamic copier interface andpassive data tap on the copier control data cable for use with thepresent system.

FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of a static copier interface andpassive data tap located on the copier control computer.

FIG. 5A is a schematic top plan view of the copier control computerboard including control panel data cable connection.

FIG. 5B is a side plan view of the original control panel data cableconnection.

FIG. 5C is a side plan view of the control panel data cable connectionincluding a passive data tap for use with the present invention.

FIG. 5D is a side plan view of the Y-tap header used for parallelconnection of the translator data cable with the control panel datacable.

FIG. 5E is a front plan view of the Y-tap header used for parallelconnection of the translator data cable with the control panel datacable.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of multiplexed indicators and data tapscheme for use with the present system.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of a multiplexed data versiontranslator for use with the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of a multiplexed data versiontranslator with the random access memory, timer and universalasynchronous receiver/transmitter intergrated into the centralprocessing unit.

FIG. 9 is a schematic block diagram of a static copier with an activedata tap and buffer node computer.

FIG. 10A is a schematic top plan view of the copier control computerboard including copier control panel data cable connection with activedata tap.

FIG. 10B is a side plan view of the original control panel data cableconnection.

FIG. 10C is a side plan view of the control panel data cable connectionincluding an active data tap for use with the present invention.

FIG. 10D is a top plan view of the control panel data cable connectionincluding an active data tap for use with the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram of a multiplexed data versionactive data tap component of the translator.

FIG. 12 is a schematic block diagram of a buffer node computer componentof the translator.

FIG. 13 is a schematic block diagram of a copier receiving power via thebuffer node computer.

FIG. 14 is a schematic block diagram of a buffer node computer with acopier power switching capability.

FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram of a serial data transmissiontechnique from a copier control computer to the control panel display.

FIG. 16 is a schematic block diagram of a parallel data transmissiontechnique from a copier control computer to the control panel display.

FIG. 17 is a schematic block diagram of a serial/parallel data versiontranslator for use with the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of a 12×48 FIFO memory for a parallelinterface translator.

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of a copier multiplexed keyboard withremote keystroke monitoring and remote keystroke operation capabilities.

FIG. 19A is a multiplexed keyboard timing diagram.

FIG. 20A is an overview menu selection chart for use with the centralcomputer.

FIG. 20B is an expanded view of the information available from theCOPIER menu selection.

FIG. 20C is an expanded view of the information available from theSERVICE menu selection.

FIG. 20D is an expanded view of the information available from the ADMINmenu selection.

FIG. 20E is an expanded view of the information available from theSYSTEM menu selection.

FIG. 21 is a screen dump of the real-time monitoring mode for a Xerox1025 copier.

FIG. 22 is a screen dump of the on-line help facility for fault codes.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

With reference to the drawings, and particularly FIG. 1, the presentcopier monitoring system is capable of automatically monitoring,collecting and storing copier profiles, service records and diagnosticsfrom a plurality of copier machines 2, located at various locations,from a central location or data collection point 4. To accommodate forthe differences between various copier models of both like and differentmanufacturers, a translator 6 is used to provide a uniform interfacebetween the copier and the central data collection point 4 for thecopier status information. A translator 6 is a microcomputer withspecialized hardware and software that is customized to the particularcopier and serves as an addressable node in the network. The translator6 is located at each copier site and communicates with the copier 2through the use of a data tap 8 (see FIGS. 2, 3 and 4) which monitorsthe status information transmitted from the copier control computer 10to the copier status display 12 along a control panel data cable 18.

The current copier status information is stored in and transmitted bythe translator 6 along a communication means, shown as line 52 to a datacollection computer 16 at the central location 4 in response to a pollfrom a scanner/multiplexer 14 at the central location 4. At the centrallocation 4 the data is processed and stored in a database in the datacollection computer 16.

The present system, therefore, links remote copiers to a central datacollection point 4 through the use of, generally, a data tap 8 andtranslator 6 associated with the copier 2 on the customer premises andconnected by communication means 52 to a scanner/multiplexer component14 and status copier data collection component 16 at the centrallocation 4.

Generally, machine status monitoring in a copier is an output function,however, input functions such as operator key strokes from the controlpanel can be monitored. There are various input/output interfaces orcopier control panels 12, depending on the model and manufacturer of thecopier. The output interfaces can generally be classified as "static"and "dynamic". In addition to monitoring the output functions it is alsodesireable to provide remote input operation capabilities such thatcontrol panel keystrokes can be remotely generated.

The static type utilizes illuminating indicators, such as light emittingdiodes ("LED's"), on a control panel 12 to indicate setup andoperational status by either backlighting a transparency or as anindicator adjacent to a label. Using this method the copier controlcomputer 10 directly controls the status indicators by turning them onor off as needed. In certain cases, fault conditions of the copier areindicated by error codes that can be, for example, displayed through thecopy counter as a two digit code number. An example of this class ofcopier is the XEROX model 1025.

The dynamic output type utilizes not only illuminating indicators asbefore, but also some form of alphanumeric display device that can bealtered to represent setup and status information in plain linguisticalphanumeric text. This display device could be a single or multipleline display utilizing technology such as a vacuum fluorescent, liquidcrystal or light emitting diodes, or even CRT video displays. In thesedynamic copiers the copier control computer 10 passes information over acontrol panel data cable 18 to the display device's controller which inturn converts the raw data into a formatted display image on the controlpanel 12. This information stream may be in either a serial or parallelmanner. An example of this class of copier is the XEROX model 1040.

In the case of the static display method it may be desirable only tomonitor a portion of the status devices because not all of the statusdevices indicate fault conditions. There are also difficultiesinterfacing with the static display because of the variety of thecharacteristics of different status devices and circuit operatingvoltages that exist in the various models of different or likemanufacturers.

Furthermore, the status indicators are usually time multiplexed toreduce power consumption and the overall number of connections betweenthe copier control computer 10 and the control panel 12. This precludessimple monitoring of a voltage drop across a status device and requiresthe latching of the data at the time that a status device may beswitched on.

An example, of a multiplexed display system can be seen in FIG. 6.Twenty-four (24) LED's LED1-LED24, are organized into a three row byeight column matrix. As demonstrated in the multiplexer timing diagram,each row of eight LED's is selected through a common switchingtransistor, Q9-Q11 respectively, by applying a drive pulse to the base,terminal two of the device. The individual LED's within a common row areselected in parallel by applying a drive signal to the base of thecolumn driver transistor Q1-Q8 respectively. In order to turn on LED10,it is necessary to apply drive signals to Q2 at the time Q10 is driven[C1×ROW 1] at time T2. To capture the data column pattern for each row,it will be necessary that the C0-C7 and ROW0-ROW2 signals pass throughfrom the data tap 8 to the translator 6 for processing.

To extract the copier status information that is displayed on thecontrol panel 12 a data tap 8 will be installed within the copier. Thedata tap 8 will be placed in line with the control panel data cable 18either on the copier control computer board 10 as shown in FIG. 4 orbetween the copier control computer 10 and the control panel 12 on thecontrol panel data cable 18 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The main purposeof the data tap 8 is to provide a physical interface means to thetranslator 6 for a variety of copiers. The main purpose of thetranslator 6 is to transform the various signals of the various copiermachines 2 into uniform signals to be read by the data collectioncomputer 16 as well as to demultiplex the copier status information thatis scanned from the copier control computer 10 and return this data tothe central data collection point 4 when it is polled to do so. Thesefunctions are accomplished by either a single microcomputer based systemor two separate microcomputer based systems depending on theconfiguration of the monitoring network.

When a monitoring network is relatively small in size or does not have ahigh demand to be polled in a real time fashion then a "passive" datatap 8 in conjunction with a single CPU based translator 6 will be usedas shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

The data tap 8 is located inside of the copier 2 and must not violateany FCC regulation. As a result, the data tap 8 in its simplest form isa passive device that merely passes the status information that passesfrom the copier control computer 10 to the control panel 12 to thetranslator 6, i.e., by a Y-tap header, Y-cable or buffer/driver device.A simple Y-tap for use with a Xerox 1025 copier, having its controlpanel data cable 18 connected to the copier control computer 10 shown inFIGS. 5A and 5B through a 34-position pin header 19, comprises anextended 34-position pin header 19 (3-MESP Series). The Y-tap header 17,having a physical male electrical connection that is 90 degrees to thestraight through, shown in FIG. 5D and 5E, replaces the original controlpanel data cable 18 connection to the copier control computer board 10and allows the translator data cable 20 to be connected in parallel withthe control panel data cable 18, see FIG. 5C.

The single CPU based translator system for a static multiplexed datainterface is displayed in FIG. 7 and 8. It is microprocessor based usingstandard off-the-self components as well as basic design techniques. A6809 microprocessor chip is the central processing unit 22 (CPU) alongwith a programmable address decoder 24 (16V8) used to select the supportdevices (i.e., RAM, ROM etc.) that are address mapped to the CPU 22.

The stored program for the CPU 22 can be found in the read only memory26 (ROM, 27C64 or 27C256). The CPU stack information and temporaryvariables are located in random access memory 28 (RAM, 6264).

The single CPU based translator 6 is also comprised of nonvolatilerandom access memory 27 (NVRAM, MCM 2814), configuration selectionswitches 30, a digital port 32 (8255), analog to digital interfaces 34(LM339), a timer 36 (555) and a universal asynchronousreceiver/transmitter 38 (UART, 6850). If an 80C52 microcomprocessor chipis used as the central processing unit 22 the functions of the randomaccess memory timer and the universal asynchronous receiver/transmitterare incorporated in the one chip as shown in FIG. 8.

The NVRAM 27 is read as with a conventional RAM but it retains thestored data if power is removed. This device is also known as anElectrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) and/or aBattery Backed RAM (BBRAM) which contains its own on-board battery andchange-over circuitry. Special information patterns, such as identifyingsignatures are loaded into the NVRAM 27. This can be done atmanufacturing time or remotely through the data collection computer 16.This information can then be used to remotely identify the copier withinthe network, e.g. as a header attached to the data returned to thecentral data collection point 4.

This enables a network with many copiers to have fewer problems relatinga specific copier to its database records. For, example, if a copier ismoved from one location to another in the network, the signatureidentification would travel with it. As a result the copier still couldbe recognized by the data collection computer 16 database manager eventhough the copier is now at a different location in the network. A lessobvious advantage to the identifying signature is the ability toidentify a copier that has been stolen, stripped of all of its seriallabels and then sold. Because this component is a seemingly permanentinternal component there is a high probability that it would remainintact internal to the copier and would provide a means ofidentification.

The set of configuration selection switches 30 enables the translator 6to take on different functional characteristics based on the setting ofthe switches 30. The output of the switches 30 are read by the CPU 22through a digital port 32. This device consists of three 8-bit parallelports that are configured as to allow the CPU 22 to read in the digitallevel signals from the digital port 32. The state of the switches 30 areread in at power-up time by the CPU 22 to set up certain operatingcharacteristics of the translator 6.

Some examples of this would be to map stored error codes in ROM 26 todifferent data input line combinations for specific copiers. Switchsettings into other inputs of the digital port 32 configure otheroperating parameters of the translator 6 for similar copiers. Minordifferences between copiers that could be compensated for might includeerror messages unique to one or more specific copiers or the size ofstorage space allocated in RAM 28 for message lengths.

The CPU 22 receives the status data from the digital port 32. However,the data that comes from the data tap 8 to the digital port 32 ismultiplexed data and the information may not be at appropriate signallevels for the digital port 32 or may contain undesirable signal noiseand, therefore, must be conditioned to digital levels through an analogto digital interface 34. This interface 34 consists of a voltagecomparator 40 such as a LM339 or like component, which has two inputs,the signal to be conditioned from the copier 2 and a threshold referencevoltage (VREF) see FIG. 7.

The output of the comparator 40, OV for a logical "0" state or +5 V fora logical "1" state, will reflect the differential relation of thevoltage input from the copier 2 and VREF. That is to say, if the inputis greater than the reference the output will be OV and visa versa.

Now that the input signal has been conditioned to the correct signallevels for the digital port 32, the signal can be read by the CPU 22through the lines of the digial port 32. This information is thentransferred to the RAM 28 for later evaluation, based on thecharacteristics from the configuration switches 30.

The status information of the copier changes at a relatively slow pacecompared to the computational speed of a microprocessor based system.Therefore, it is only necessary for the translator 6 to periodicallyevaluate the condition of the copier 2. To accomplish this periodicacquisition technique, a method known as "interrupt driven" is used.

Normally, the CPU 22 is executing its program waiting in an idle loop. Asignal into the interrupt request (IRQ) input of the CPU 22, whichcauses the CPU 22 to execute an algorithm to input and store the datapresent from the eight row by eight column matrix, can be caused by abackground timer 36 as shown in FIG. 7 that produces a signal at someinterval or by a wire 25 as shown in FIG. 8 which connects the outputport that represents ROW1 of the matrix of the analog to digitalinterface 34 to the IRQ of the CPU 22 which triggers the CPU 22 whendata is present. After the CPU 22 is activated, the row LED is enabledand the column LEDs are stable, the data is stored and the next row ofdata is displayed. Later the CPU 22 can further evaluate the informationto determine what status conditions exist.

The algorithm for such a scan might conceptually look as follows afterthe background timer 36 has pulsed the IRQ input or the output port thatrepresents ROW1 of the matrix of the analog to digital interface 34 goeshigh (all signal references are from FIG. 6, multiplexer time diagram):

1. The CPU 22 polls the digital port input mapped to ROW1 and waits forit to be asserted at T1.

2. At that time it is known that the data on C0-C7 is valid and they arestored in a known location in RAM 28.

3. The CPU 22 now repeats steps 1 and 2, instead polling for ROW2through ROW8 to be asserted at T2 through T8, respectively.

4. Once all of the information has been acquired, the stored images areshifted and compared against test tables that are stored in the ROM 26.The outcome of the tests are stored in RAM 28 for later use.

5. The CPU 22 then returns to its wait loop for the next timerinterrupt.

The CPU 22 may also receive an interrupt request signal from the UART38. The UART 38 enables the CPU 22 to communicate with thescanner/multiplexer 14. The UART 38 performs the task of converting theserial data that is transmitted from the scanner 14 into 8-bit bytesthat the CPU 22 can process. It also converts the 8-bit bytes of datafrom the CPU 22 into a serial stream to be sent back to the scanner 14along line 52. Furthermore, the transmit (TX) and receive (RX) signallines are converted to/from standard RS-422 line drivers/receivers 50for transmission of data over long distances with high immunity fromexternal noise sources. Various transmission media, such as fiberoptics, telephone lines, etc., are also possible.

When a service request command from the central data collection point 4is received by the translator 6, the CPU 22 executes an algorithm toretrieve the most recent condition evaluation in RAM 28. The reportcould be as simple as an encoded token that represents the meaning ofthe most recent evaluation. This token would then be decoded into thestatus text string by the scanner 14 or the user computer 16.Alternatively, the transmitted data could be the literal text string ofthe status message as it would be shown on the copier control panel 12.

In a large monitoring network there is a chance that a single CPU basedtranslator 6 can become overloaded and degrade system performance. Tocompensate for this the functions of the data tap 8 and translator 6 areembodied into two separate microcomputer systems, an "active" data tap 3and buffer node computer 5 which communicate by fiber optic cables,shown in FIG. 9.

The "active" or "smart" data tap 3 is located within the copier 2. Itprovides a physical interface to the copier 2 and has its ownmicrocomputer to demultiplex the control panel information. The buffernode computer 5 is located outside the copier 2 and is responsible forcommunication between the smart data tap 3 and the central datacollection point 4. This division allows the smart data tap 3 todedicate nearly all of its resources to monitoring the multiplexed datacaptured while the buffer node computer 5 can honor poll requests fromthe central data collection point 4. Only when a poll is received fromthe buffer node computer 5 does the smart data tap 3 discontinue itsdata monitoring operation and up-load its data to the buffer nodecomputer 5 for return to the central data collection point 4. Togetherthe smart data tap 3 and the buffer node computer 5 perform the samefunctions in the same manner as the single CPU translator 6.

The smart data tap 3, shown in FIG. 11, is microprocessor based usingstandard off-the-shelf components as well as basic design techniques.Its components are similar to those described earlier in single CPUbased translator design.

The smart data tap 3 is comprised of a central processing unit (CPU) 29that may have a random access memory (RAM), universal asynchronousreceiver/transmitter (UART) and a timer, either incorporated into theCPU29 or as separate components (not shown), as well as a programmableaddress decoder 24 (74LS138), read only memory 26 (ROM, 27C256),nonvolatile random access memory 27 (MCM2814), digital port 32(74LS573), analog to digital voltage equalizer 34 (4504) and fiber optictransmitter and receiver connectors 11 and 13 (HFBR-1510 and HFBR-2501respectively).

The smart data tap 3 is installed directly onto the copier controlcomputer board 10 as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10C. The control panel datacable 18 is removed from its original position pinheader 19 of thecopier control computer board 10, shown in FIG. 10B. In its place isinserted the smart data tap 3 by means of a mating header 15 that ispart of the printed circuit board assembly. The rest of the smart tapmicrocomputer, shown in FIG. 10D consists of the actual computingelements packaged as surface mounted devices (SMD) 21, the front panelconnector 19 and the fiber optic transmitter 11 and receiver 13 pair.

The buffer node computer 5 as shown in FIG. 12 is also microprocessorbased using standard off the shelf components. It is comprised of acentral processing unit 31 (CPU,80C52) that again may have random accessmemory (RAM), universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART) and atimer either incorporated into the chip or as separate components (notshown). Also included in the buffer node computer 5 are a programmableaddress decoder 37 (74LS138), read only memory 39 (ROM,27C256), auniversal asynchronous receiver/transmitter 33 (UART,8250), fiber optictransmit and receiver connectors 11 and 13 (HFBR-1510, HFBR-2501) andRS-422 line drivers/receivers 50 (3487,3486).

The smart data tap 3 and buffer node computer 5 functionality isbasically the same as described earlier in said single CPU basedtranslator. The smart data tap CPU 29 continuously executes the storedinstructions in ROM 26 to demultiplex the copier control information.This information is then stored in RAM until a poll is received from thebuffer node computer 5. The buffer node computer 5 sits idle waiting fora service request from the central data point 4. When the buffer nodecomputer 5 receives a poll from the central data point 4 the CPU 31executes an algorithm to retrieve the copier status data from the smartdata tap 3.

When the smart data tap CPU 29 receives the poll on its receive port analgorithm is executed to retrieve the copier status data from RAM. TheUART located in the CPU 29 converts the 8-bit bytes into serial data tobe transmitted over the fiber optic cable 21. When the data reaches thebuffer node computer 5 the information is again converted back into 8bit bytes by the UART 33. When the data is ready to be passed onto thebuffer node computer CPU 31 the UART 33 sends an interrupt requestsignal along line 35 to the CPU 31 to activate an algorithm to retrievethe data, convert the data to serial format and then pass this data tothe scanner 14 through the RS-422 line drivers/receivers 50.

Control panel operator keys are often multiplexed using techniques,shown in FIG. 19, that are similar to those employed with static displayindicating devices as shown in FIG. 6. With respect to the translator 6,operator keys can serve as both an status input means, showing thecurrent status of any key(s) down, or as an output means that enablesthe system user to remotely "strike" a key(s) on the control panel.

The process is shown in FIG. 19. A keyboard S1-S32, is shown organizedas a 4×8 matrix. The rows as strobed by signals ROW1*-ROW4* with thereturning sense columns COL0-COL7 pulled to a logical by resistorsR1-R8, respectively. The resultant column data is read via the copiercontrol to obtain D0 -D7 through the buffer U1 for each occurrence of arow scan signal when the COL READ EN* signal is asserted. An example ofthis operation is found in the multiplexed timing diagram of FIG. 19A.When an operator presses a key, such as S10 (copier start) at some timeT1, and the keyboard matrix ROW2* is asserted at time T3 during a scancycle, the COL2 sense line will be driven to a logical 0. Thiscorresponds to the data bit D1 when the buffer U1 is read.

Because the keyboard scanning operating may be too brief for thetranslator 6 to capture, a set of four 8-bit latches, U6-U9corresponding to each matrix row, are provided to automatically capturethe column sense signals As each row is strobed by ROW1*-ROW4*, thesense column data is clocked into its respective latch. In this way, thetranslator CPU 22 can read each row latch by asserting signals RD ROW 1DATA*-RD ROW 4 DATA* asynchronous to the actual copier scanningoperation to obtain a current image of the switch matrix. This image isthen evaluated for copier specific information before being transmittedto the MAC computer 16. In the timing diagram, FIG. 19A, translator 6reads an $FF (hexadecimal) from the latch U8, between T4 and T5, toobtain the image of switches S17-S24. The image indicates that no keysare currently pressed within row 3.

In addition to reading the keyboard status, the translator 6 providesthe system with the capability of remotely asserting the control panelkeys exactly as if an operator were pressing the keys. A set of four8-bit latches, U2-U5 corresponding to each matrix row, are connectedtogether in parallel across the column sense lines COL0-COL7. When aremote key access is desired, the MAC computer 16 transmits a coderelating to a specific key over the communication line 52 to the desiredtranslator 6. The translator 6 decodes the command and writes thenecessary data pattern into the selected latch. When the row select lineis asserted that corresponds to the "programmed latch", the outputdrivers of the latch are enabled. This drives the column sense lines tothe logic level corresponding to the pattern that was written into thelatch. The data is then read back by the copier control computer via thecolumn sense buffer U1.

In the keyboard timing diagram FIG. 19A, an example is shown for theassertion of switch S10. The translator CPU 22 writes a $FD into latchU3. When ROW2* is asserted, COL1 will be driven to a logical 0 whichcorresponds to switch S10 being pressed. The image that the copiercontrol computer will receive on D1 when U1 is read will appear as ifS10 has been pressed by an operator. After a predetermined period oftime, the latches U2-U5 are cleared to remove the simulated keystroke.

In the preferred embodiment, the keyboard status monitoring and drivingcontrol circuitry is part of the smart tap logic. This is necessarybecause the circuitry would have to be copier specific in design. Thesmart tap 3 would receive commands from the MAC computer 16 via thebuffer node computer 5, and would return status information in likemanner.

Another feature that can be added to the buffer node computer 5 outsideof its communication function is the ability to remotely power-down oneor more of the network copiers 2 to prevent unauthorized use. This isaccomplished by having the copier 2 receive power via the buffer nodecomputer 5, placed in series between the copier 2 and wall outlet,instead of directly from a wall outlet as shown in FIG. 13. The buffernode computer 5 would receive power directly from a power cord 61, whileswitching the power line 63 to the copier or even an auditron to preventunauthorized use.

The probable switching technique, shown in FIG. 14 would be to use acontrol line 65 from a digital port of the CPU 31 to drive the input ofa solid state relay 67 (an optically isolated triac, such as a CydromD1D41). A copier enable/disable code would be issued by the datacollection computer 16 at a preset time if desired, to shut down thecopier 2. Power could then be restored to the machine 2 the next morningin the same manner.

With regard to dynamic display systems, there are two types of datatransmission methods usually used to pass control and text informationto a control panel 12. These types are classified as "serial" and"parallel".

With serial transmission, shown in FIG. 15, information is passed fromthe copier control computer 10 to the display element 12a in a stream,bit-by-bit, at a specific data rate (bit rate). Each 8-bit byte ispreceeded by a start bit, i.e., S1, and terminated by a stop bit, i.e.,S2 to allow the receiving device to synchronize and receive the incomingdata.

In a parallel transmission system, shown in FIG. 16, information ispassed from the copier control computer 10 to the receiving displayelement 12a synchronously as 8-bit bytes. Each byte is placed on thedata bus and clocked into the receiving device via the strobe (ENABLE*).

In either case, the receiving display element 12a has some on-boardintelligence (a dedicated function microcontroller) that processes theincoming data and formats it into the display output medium. This datacan either be control commands or ASCII (text) characters. If it is acommand, the display element 12a of the control panel 12 will interpretwhat actions are to be taken (such as initializing the display,positioning the cursor at a specific line or address, etc.). If the datais text, the visual representation of the character will appear at thecurrent location of the display cursor.

The architecture for the translator 6 of the dynamic copier, shown inFIG. 17, is basically the same as for the static multiplexed datacopier. The CPU 22, ROM 26, RAM 28, configuration switches 30 and UART138 functions remain the same. In addition, there are buffers 42, asecond universal asynchronous receiver/transmitter (UART2) 38b andfirst-in-first-out (FIFO) memory 44. However, there is no backgroundtimer. A two component version translator for the dynamic copier is alsoavailable (not shown). The buffer node computer 5 will be the same.Minor changes to the active data tap will be necessary to compensate forthe different copiers.

The dynamic translator 6 has the capability to accept either serial orparallel data from the data tap 8. Again, the CPU 22 can determine thisfrom the configuration selection switches 30. These switches 30 areprogrammed to select the operating mode that the translator 6 willoperate in, similar in principle to the translator 6 for multiplexeddata that was described earlier. For example, one switch could be usedto select between serial and parallel operating mode, i.e., 1=serial and0=parallel data operation, etc.

The switches 30 are connected to the digital port 32 inputs. At power-uptime the CPU 22 reads the digital port 32 to determine the operatingmode under which it should continue.

If the serial mode is selected, the incoming serial data from the datatap 8 first passes through a buffer 42A to condition the signal tolevels that are appropriate for the UART2 38b. During the initializationphase of the translator 6, the UART2 38b is internally configured by theCPU 22 with the necessary parameters to receive the incoming data. Theserial data stream is then converted to parallel data for use by the CPU22.

After each byte is assembled, UART2 38b interrupts the CPU 22 to informit that it has another byte of data for it. After the CPU 22 has readthe data in, it would be stored in RAM 28 for later evaluation.Determining the end of the data stream may be by inference, for example,if no additional characters are detected after a predetermined amount oftime or if an end of transmission character is found.

In the parallel mode, the incoming parallel data from the data tap 8 is8-bit wide bytes (D0-D7 of FIG. 16). The parallel bus also has controlsignals (REGISTER SELECT and READ/WRITE) and an enable signal that isasserted when the data and control signals are valid. All of this datainitially passes through a buffer 42B until the enable signal isasserted and then is automatically forwarded into a first-in-first-out(FIFO) memory 44.

In the preferred embodiment, the FIFO memory 44 is constructed as shownin FIG. 18. This particular memory arrangement is created from acomposite of nine smaller 4×16 bit FIFO's (comprising 40105 devices) soconnected in series/parallel as to form a wider and deeper 12×48 bitFIFO 44. These devices receive parallel input from the copier 2 into thedata inputs (D0-D3) of devices U1, U4 and U7. The data is clocked intothis first bank by the ENABLE* clock from the copier 2. From there thedata ripples to the back of the FIFO 44 (U3, U6 and U9) in a "bucketbrigade" fashion and is presented to the inputs of the digital port 32.

As soon as the first 12-bit word has propagated to the back of the FIFO44, the DATA RDY signal is sent by the 3-input AND gate (U11A) and ismade available to the digital port 32. In this way the CPU 22 can pollthe DATA RDY line to test for any data present in the FIFO 44. When thesignal is sent, the CPU 22 reads the digital port 32 to extract the dataand then pulse the PB5 line of the digital port 32 to cause the nextword of the FIFO 44 to propagate up. The CPU 22 can also perform amaster reset of the entire FIFO array by pulsing the FIFOCLR line, suchas at T0.

As demonstrated in the FIFO memory timing diagram, the FIFO 44 fillswith data as it is clocked in by ENABLE (T1, T2, T3 and T4) and isunloaded as it is clocked out by the CPU 22. Note that between T1 and T2the FIFO memory 44 can absorb 48 words of data independently of the CPU22 and can output the data to the CPU 22 independent of the copier 2. Aswith the serial interface method, the data is transferred to RAM 28 forbuffering and evaluation.

The data stream that is passed by a dynamic copier 2 consists ofdiscrete display commands and ASCII text characters. The translator 6strips the control characters and sends the ASCII text stream to thecentral computer 16 for evaluation and formatting. There are severalother approaches to evaluating such a data stream. For example, sendingthe data directly to the central computer 16, unaltered, and letting thecentral computer 16 evaluate or reformat the data. Also, parsing thedata looking for key words and making an inference that a problem existsfrom the key words can be achieved. Data can then be sent (by token ortext stream) to the central computer 16 for evaluation or reformatting.

The translators 6 are polled by the scanner 14 to obtain the most recentstatus information. At the translator location there are RS422transmitter/receivers 50 (3486) that are wired to the scanner 14 at thecentral location 4. However, as stated above, the communication meansfor transmitting the status information from the translator 6 to thescanner 14 is not limited to hard wiring.

The scanner 14 is controlled by the data collection computer 16 and actsas a multiplex switcher which receives a message from the datacollection computer 16 on which translator 6 to poll. The scanner 14then makes cross connection to the appropriate translator 6 and passesthe information to the data collection computer 16.

The scanner/multiplexer 14 can be any one of a number of such devicesand are well known in the art. One example is a six port auto switchmanufactured by L TEX ELECTRONICS under the name SMART 6.

Possibilities for the polling of the translators 6 include separatecommunication lines 52 for each translator 6, having the scanner 14 senda request to each unit in sequential round-robin fashion (shown inFIG. 1) or to daisy-chain the translators 6 together on a common line ina connected or unconnected ring wherein the scanner 14 would put thetranslator identifier of the unit being polled on the line 52.

The overall remote monitoring of the network is controlled by the datacollection computer 16. The monitoring has two modes, quasi-real-time orreal-time. Quasi-real-time monitoring is the normal mode of operationwhen the data collection computer 16 is polling each individual copier 2without giving priority to a specific location. For example, if thereare 25 copiers being polled at the rate of one/second, then the entiresampling base is updated in 25 seconds. Therefore, the status of anygiven copier 2 in the network will be current to within the pasttwenty-five seconds.

Real-time monitoring is accomplished in a special operating mode thatcauses the data collection computer 16 to focus in on a particularcopier 2 and only poll the other copiers 2 as a background task and at asignificantly lower rate. This allows the data collection computer 16 tosample the status of that particular copier 2 at a rate that will notappear to have any delay between the time an event occurs at the copier2 and the time at which it is reported.

The data collection computer 16 can be an IBM compatible personalcomputer consisting of a monitor, keyboard, CPU, floppy drive, hard diskdrive, and 640K of Random Access Memory running DOS 3.3. The datacollection computer 16 assembles the status information into variousdisplay formats. Some of the user features are displayed in the MenuSelection Tree (FIGS. 20A-20E). These features enable a database ofinformation on copiers by manufacturer, model, options, location,facilities, etc. to be built. The database would then be merged with thestatus information to present a current representation of status of allcopiers 2 on the monitoring network. Copiers 2 with operational problemsare easily identified and service requests made and tracked in likemanner.

All of the stored information can also be utilized for a wide variety ofreport generation. It can also be used to predict potential or futuremachine failures. A rise in a certain type of fault could be detectedand flagged as an upcoming failure. This type of window detection issimilar to what the RIC system Xerox uses. However, the said system is acontinuously on-line, real-time monitoring system. The present systemcould also alert a dispatch office automatically of pending or existingcopier problems.

When the data collection computer 16 is operating in the real-time modethe user is able to view an actual representation of the copier controlpanel 12 on the CRT screen of the data collection computer 16.

FIG. 21 is an actual screen dump of the monitoring mode for a Xerox 1025copier. By having a copy of the control panel information, such a screencan be created and maintained for virtually any copier, whether or notthe panel consists of a simple indicators (the static panel) or textualdisplay characters (the dynamic panel). It then becomes a matter ofprocessing the data against a map of the display layout of a givencopier 2 to arrive at the end result. The screen of FIG. 22 shows thecurrent state of the ten major status indicators as well as the copiersetup parameters, copy count and error codes, in the event of a copierfault.

The advantages gained by having a remote key operator or servicepersonnel being able to view an actual representation of any copier 2 isextremely valuable. It allows an experienced person to view actualmachine conditions first hand and also allows them to guide a lessexperienced individual at the remote machine site. An additional benefitof this real-time monitoring technique is that a person in a totallyseparate facility or town via a modem telephone link can view the actualstatus panel of a copier 2 to suggest possible solutions to a problem.If a copier fault occurs, a copier fault code is displayed on thecontrol panel 12. Through software this fault code can be converted bythe data collection computer 16 into an on-line help facility to said akey operator in correcting non-technical faults, as shown in FIG. 22.

EXAMPLE

An error status signal sent from the copier controller computer 10 tothe control panel 12 is intercepted by the passive data tap 8,comprising a Y-tap 17. The data is transmitted to a translator 6 bymeans of a data translator cable 20. The translator 6 has modular jackswhich accept cooperating jacks on the translator data cable 20.

The translator 6 being polled for information then transmits datareadable by the multiplexer/scanner 14 and stores certain data. Thetranslator 6 then transmits data to the scanner/multiplexer 14 at thecentral location along line 52 by the use of line drivers/receivers 50(RS 422). Similarly, line 52 has modular jacks at each end whichcooperate with jacks on both the translator and scanner/multiplexer 14.

The scanner/multiplexer 14 is controlled by a program in the datacollection computer 16 under DOS 3.3. As such, the scanner/multiplexer14 is integrated into the data collection computer 16.

A user interface comprising a personal computer, including a CRT,keyboard and CPU, to extract other information, is used to alert theuser to the location and status of an error.

Variations of the present invention will make themselves apparent tothose of ordinary skill in the art and are intended to fall within thespirit and scope of the invention, limited only by the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. A system for automatically monitoring the operationalstatus of and initiating operational commands in one or more copymachines from a remote location, each copy machine having a copy machinecontrol computer for monitoring copy machine status information andcontrolling operation of the copy machine and a control panel for userinteraction at the copy machine, comprising interface means associatedwith each copy machine including means to access status information romthe copy machine control computer for transmission to the remotelocation and means to receive operation commands from the remotelocation for execution by the copy machine control computer,communication means between the interface means and the remote location,means to remotely monitor the status information from the copy machinecontrol computer at the remote location and means to initiate operationcommands at the remote location for execution by the copy machinecontrol computer thereby remotely activating copy machine functionswherein the means to initiate operation commands at the remote locationcomprises means to remotely input copy machine commands at the remotelocation, means to direct the commands to a specific copy machine fromthe remote location and means to simulate keystrokes on the copy machinecontrol panel at the copy machine comprising a set of latches in theinterface means in parallel with copy machine operations keys on thecopy machine control panel, read by the copy machine control computer.2. A system for automatically monitoring the operational status of andinitiating operational commands in one or more copy machines from aremote location, each copy machine having a copy machine controlcomputer for monitoring copy machine status information and controllingoperation of the copy machine and a control panel for user interactionat the copy machine, comprising interface means associated with eachcopy machine including means to access status information from the copymachine control computer for transmission to the remote location andmeans to receive operation commands from the remote location forexecution by the copy machine control computer, communication meansbetween the interface mans and the remote location, means to remotelymonitor the status information from the copy machine control computer atthe remote location, means to initiate operation commands at the remotelocation for execution by the copy machine control computer therebyremotely activating copy machine functions and means to read keystrokesentered on the copy machine control panel from the remote locationcomprising a predetermined number of latches within the interface means,said latches capturing column sense signals generated by keystrokes onthe copy machine control panel and read by the copy machine controlcomputer to activate a specific function, which are read by theinterface means for transmission to the remote location.